Original U.S. Model 1816 Flintlock Pistol by Simeon North of Middletown Connecticut - Unconverted

Original Item: Only One Available. In 1816 the Federal Government ordered 20,000 Flintlock Pistols designated the Model of 1816 from SIMEON NORTH, a Gun Manufacturer in Middletown, Connecticut. Between 1817 and 1820, 19,374 pistols had been delivered to Government Arsenals. These were essentially the same as the earlier Model of 1813 pistol, which was only made in small quantities, as the 0.69" bore was found to cause excessive recoil. It was then redesigned as the Model of 1816 with a smaller 0.54" bore.

The Model of 1816 measures 15 1/2" overall with a .54 Caliber 9" barrel. It has all iron mounts including a large skull crusher butt cap, iron trigger guard, side plate and large barrel band which supports a brass fore sight. This is in turn retained by the "stud" barrel spring design used for a short amount of time on the Model 1812 musket. The left breech of the barrel is proof marked P / U.S.., with LS on the right above the touch hole, for inspector Luther Sage. He is noted for inspecting M1813, M1816, and M1819 flintlock pistols by North.

This example shows a good amount of past oxidation on the metalwork, and is a lovely service used example that avoided being converted to percussion like so many others. The lock marking is partially worn away right side: the Federal Eagle is still faintly present, surrounded by a U. [S.] marking. The top line is a partial S. NOR[TH], and the bottom line is almost complete, reading U.S. / MIDDLN CON[N.] This is unquestionably a pistol made by Simeon North. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full, though the mainspring is a big weak, and overall there is slop in the mechanics from wear.

The stock shows the lovely color of aged and oiled walnut, though it also shows quite a bit of wear from use. There are dents, dings, gouges, and other signs of long service, however no major structural damage. The sides are a bit dented / worn in in areas, and there are some small cracks on the side, but they do not appear to be structural. The original ramrod is missing, replaced with a wooden dowel that is just for display.

A great patinated example of a very hard to find early U.S. Martial flintlock pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: circa 1817-1820
Caliber: .54" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 Inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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